Every year my church participates in Operation Christmas Child. This is a ministry run by Samaritans Purse. Operation Christmas Child is a ministry where people pack shoe boxes with little gifts that are then given to kids in families who are going through hard times. Many of the shoeboxes go overseas however some of them are distributed right here in our own backyard. Some of the boxes last year even went out here, in Riverside County.
Operation Christmas Child Mission Statement: The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God's love in a tangible way to needy children around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
This year I was told by another church member that a fellow Realtor was going to try to get his office to participate so I figured why not have a healthy competition since Realtors love competition and most seem to be looking for ways to give back. So we have until the 21 of November to turn our boxes in at the church. I might have to make a golden shoebox to be given out to the winner so we can make this a yearly competition. :)
If anyone else would like to participate there are drop off locations all over the country. Here is the website:
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Drop_Off_Locations/
Here's what you do:
1. Get a shoe box or shoe box sized container.
2. Decide if you want your gift to go to a boy or girl and what age group: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14
3. Fill it with gifts. Suggestions are posted below.
4. Include your donation of $7.00 which covers shipping costs. If you pay online you can track your box and find out what country it ended up going to.
5. Drop off your shoebox at a drop off location near you. See website above.
Gift Suggestions:
School Supplies: pens, paper, markers, crayons, pencil sharpeners, stamps and ink pads, coloring books
Toys: small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, harmonicas, yoyos, jump ropes, slinkys
Hygiene Items: toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, washcloth, bar of soap, barrettes, hair ties
Other: hard candy, lollipops, mints, gum, tshirts, socks, sun glasses, watches
A Personal Note: you can include a note to the child and a picture of yourself if you'd like (if you include your address your child might write back)
Please DO NOT INCLUDE: used or damaged items, war related items, chocolate or food, anything liquid like bubbles or lotion, medication or breakable items like snowglobes.
If you would like more information please visit: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/FAQ
Til next time....
Amanda Smith
Realty America GMAC
www.AmandaLynnSmith.com
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